The Coronavirus pandemic has changed the lives and way of working of a large part of society due to actions to combat Covid-19, which, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), indicates social distancing as a tool to weaken the spread of the virus. The moment raises uncertainties and questions about the way society relates, whether in social or environmental life.

An example of a change in routine is remote work, popularized from home office, which has become part of the lives of some Brazilians since mid-March and has raised discussions about the consequences as a result. The environment, with the attenuation of social circulation and economic pressure, is an important part that feels less negative impact due to the decrease in pressure on natural capital.

Photo: Marcello Casal Jr/Agência Brasil.

In a study carried out in 2018 by Fundação Espaço ECO, established and maintained by BASF, it was observed that, on average, the company's employees travel 24 km per work stretch, the majority using a car (49%), train and subway (22%), charter (14%) and bus (12%). The most used means end up being the most polluting in terms of CO2 equivalent per person. Annually, it was calculated that 1170 tons of CO2 are emitted by this group of employees.

With the implementation of home office just one day a week for these employees targeted in the study, it is possible to avoid the emission of 230 tons of carbon into the atmosphere, the equivalent of 23 trips around the earth in a passenger vehicle, annual energy consumption of 270 homes or 18 minutes of vehicle carbon emissions from the entire city of São Paulo and the metropolitan region.

Through this example, it is possible to understand that the Coronavirus pandemic and sustainability have points of convergence. Our actions, or lack thereof, whether in the preservation of natural resources and environmental responsibility or in respecting social distancing and recommendations from health authorities, generate results for the entire society.

The common point between sustainability and the consequences of the coronavirus is care for others. The value of those around us and those yet to come, future generations, brings to us a sense of responsibility and the perception of collectiveness and collaboration.

The times we are living in are difficult. However, all the solidarity networks seen in these times of isolation, as common actions between governments, companies, NGOs and people, to offer an extended hand to each other, is an example of the sense of collaboration.

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